Japanese grant of 610 million JPY to Djibouti for development of solar energy

The Government of Japan has decided to extend grant aid (the Project for Introduction of Clean Energy by Solar Electricity Generation System) totaling a maximum of 610 million JPY to the Republic of Djibouti.
The climate of Djibouti is dry and harsh due to high temperatures. There is also a lack of subterranean and water resources, forcing the country to rely on power plants using imported fossil fuels for its domestic power supply. For this reason, the development of renewable energy is an urgent matter. This grant aid is for the installation of solar panels on the grounds of the Djibouti Center for Research and Studies, the only governmental research institute in the country.

It is expected that this assistance will result in the creation of a center for development of solar energy generation and related technological training in Djibouti. It is also expected that the grant aid will lead to the building of the foundation necessary for working towards the future proliferation of solar power generation facilities.

This grant aid will contribute to the strengthening of bilateral relations between Japan and Djibouti, as Djibouti hosts the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) which currently is engaging in counter piracy efforts off the coast of Somalia.